Charger Check-In
August 27, 2026
Dear SCA Families!
We are well into our first full, long week of school! It has been wonderful to see our students settling into their routines and getting comfortable in their classrooms.
Many of our older students have begun the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment. This is one of the tools we use to identify areas of strength and areas for growth so that we can determine how best to support each student. Please remember that many factors can affect a student's ability to perform successfully on an assessment.
For students who experience test anxiety, please remind them that the i-Ready Diagnostic is also an opportunity to practice important test-taking skills. They can think of it as a chance to practice skills that will be helpful as they prepare for future high school entrance exams. Encourage them to do their best, take their time, and show what they know. It is important to remember that while we want our students to achieve academic success, an assessment is just one snapshot of a student on one or two particular days. We will use i-Ready results along with classroom performance, teacher observations, and other data to gain a more complete picture of how we can support each student's needs.
Having all of our students back in the building has brought such great energy and liveliness! I loved seeing how much our existing students have grown over the summer. As well as watching our new students continue to build friendships! It has also been so much fun watching our PreK and Kindergarten students begin to settle into their daily routines! Children are amazing in the ways they adapt, learn, and grow so quickly.
God Bless and Go Chargers!
Ms. Zerth
Erica Thomas -- PreK 3
Saint Catherine of Alexandria School is pleased to welcome Erica Thomas as the new
teacher for the Preschool 3 Half-Day Program. Erica is passionate about educating young
children in a positive, fun, and nurturing Christian environment where students feel safe, loved,
and encouraged to explore, learn, and grow each day.
With years of experience working with children in both early childhood and elementary
education settings, she brings warmth, creativity, patience, and dedication to the
classroom. Her background includes teaching preschool and kindergarten, as well as social
studies and cursive writing. She has also served as a preschool and kindergarten teaching
assistant, substitute teacher, extended care coordinator, and assistant director for a local daycare.
This diverse experience allows her to support children academically, socially, and emotionally
during these important foundational years.
Erica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Northern Illinois University
and is currently pursuing her masters degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement
in Special Education. Before transitioning into education, she worked for nearly twenty years as
a project manager for a major healthcare insurer, where she developed strong leadership,
communication, and organizational skills that continue to benefit her in the classroom.
A dedicated community member, Erica has spent many years actively supporting
schools, youth programs, and family-centered initiatives. She has volunteered through athletics,
parent organizations, and school events, always striving to help children and families feel
connected and supported. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Erica has been married to her husband, Tito, for 22 years and is the proud mother of
Nygel and Jadyn, and grandmother of Amarri. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending
live music events, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Erica is thrilled to begin this new journey at Saint Catherine of Alexandria School and
looks forward to partnering with families to create a joyful, engaging, and faith-filled preschool
experience for her young learners.
Francine Frieske -- PreK 4 Half Day
Hello SCA! I am the new half-day, four-year-old preschool teacher, and this is my first-year
teaching at St. Catherine’s. I have taught preschool, kindergarten, and early childhood special
education for over 30 years in the Chicago Public Schools. I am excited to bring my passion for
early childhood teaching to St. Catherine’s and help joyfully foster our young Chargers’ love of
learning and their love for themselves, each other, and God.
My husband Bill and I raised our two sons in St. Cajetan’s parish. We have two grandchildren
who are three years old and nine months old. Our grandchildren are the loves of our lives. We
feel so blessed to have them.
I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Vicki Jacklin - Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Vicki Jacklin, and I am so excited to be the new kindergarten teacher this coming year! I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and engaging classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn.
A little about me… this will be my 5th year teaching in a catholic school. I am a catholic school graduate – I attended Queen of Martyrs and Mother McAuley back in the 1900’s, as the kids would say. I received my Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and received my Master’s in Elementary Education from WGU. Besides work, I am a mom of 2 wonderful girls (a soon-to-be freshman at St. Olaf College and a soon-to-be sophomore at McAuley). I am also married to an awesome husband who is a Mt. Carmel grad! Together, we are raising our girls in our strong Catholic faith on the South Side of Chicago, in the house I grew up in. When I am not at home doing house stuff, you can usually catch me on the softball field watching my oldest or at the courts watching the younger one play volleyball. We are very involved in their sports and love traveling to watch them do their thing.
I look forward to helping the students grow and become leaders both in and out of class in this great community.
Kelly Jaros -- Kindergarten Assistant to Vicki
Hello SCA staff my name is Kelly Jaros. I have been married to my husband Todd for 11yrs . Our son, Jaxon, is 8 yrs old and this year he is going into 3rd grade at St Catherine’s. I have been a stay at home mom for 9 yrs and prior to that I worked in the medical field as a medical assistant. I grew up in Oak Lawn just steps away from St Catherine’s and graduated from Richards HS. I began volunteering at St Catherine’s as a lunch mom two years ago, and I really enjoyed working with the wonderful parents, staff, and students. I realized that I wanted a bigger role in being a part of the SCA community. This year I am joining St Catherine’s as a Kindergarten Teacher’s Assistant. As a parent myself I understand the importance that teachers and teachers aides have in our children’s lives. I am excited to see them grow educationally and spiritually. Looking forward to a great year ahead! Go Chargers!!
Erin Donahue -- First Grade Teacher
Hello Charger Family! I’m so excited to teach 1st grade at SCA! I am a graduate of SCA, a
proud mother to 5 great kids along with my husband John, and an active member of the school
and church community. I have taught 1st grade at Queen of Martyrs in the past, and for the last
2 years I have been an aide in 2nd grade here at SCA. I can’t say enough about the SCA
community and I look forward to shaping and supporting young Chargers to be the best
versions of themselves.
Abby McGrail - 1st Grade Assistant to Erin Donahue
My name is Abby McGrail, and I am a lifelong South Side resident. I attended St. Barnabas and Mother McAuley, and I am proud to now be part of the school community as a parent. My husband, Jack, and I have two daughters, Audrey, who is in 2nd grade, and Delaney, who is in Kindergarten, at SCA.
For the past 12 years, I have worked at Merrill Lynch as a Wealth Management Client Associate. While I have valued my career and the experience it has given me, I recently decided to make a career change. I know how quickly the younger years pass, and I want to be more present and involved in my children’s lives while also using my skills to make a positive difference in the lives of other children.
As a parent and a longtime member of the community, I understand how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, encouraged, and cared for at school. I am patient, dependable, organized, and compassionate, and I truly enjoy helping children learn, grow, and feel confident.
Outside of school, our family enjoys spending time together. We love doing puzzles, playing board games, bowling, and swimming. I am excited for this next chapter and look forward to bringing my experience, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and love of children to the classroom and the SCA community.
Nora Tuzim -- Part Time 2nd Grade Assistant
As someone who was raised in the Catholic faith, I’m especially excited to be part of the St. Catherine of Alexandria community. My Catholic upbringing taught me the importance of faith, kindness, service, and treating others with compassion and respect. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a school environment where these values are an important part of our students’ education and everyday experiences. I grew up in Mt. Greenwood and attended Queen of Martyrs, Mother McAuley, and Saint Xavier University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
Early in my career, I worked as a substitute teacher at Queen of Martyrs and coached girls’ volleyball. These experiences gave me the opportunity to connect with students, encourage teamwork, and help them build confidence both on and off the court. My professional career has also centered around public service, giving me the opportunity to work with families and community members through local, county, and state government, including involvement with law enforcement and special programs within the public sector. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for serving others, building strong communities, and making a positive difference in the lives of those around me.
I currently live in Homer Glen with my husband, Dave. I’m looking forward to getting to know the SCA students, families, and staff and to becoming part of a community that supports, encourages, and inspires our students to grow and thrive. My husband and I enjoy going to our family home in Arizona. I like to golf and enjoy checking out all the different golf courses in Arizona.
Julie Cosme -- Math Resource (K-3)
Teaching has been my passion over 20 years. I am excited to share it with SCA this school year as a Math resource teacher. For the past 10 years, I had the privilege of teaching third grade at Christ the King School where I created a welcoming classroom that inspired curiosity, built confidence, and helped every child reach their full potential. I believe every student learns differently, and I enjoy working with families and colleagues to provide the support each child needs to succeed, especially in mathematics.
My connections to St. Catherine of Alexandria is especially meaningful because it has been a part of my family's life for generations. I am a proud SCA alumna (Class of 1988), and my children, Moira (Class of 2018) and Luke (Class of 2020), are also SCA graduates. Returning to serve the SCA community is both a privilege and a meaningful opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape my family.
Family and Student Services -- Janet Zawaski
Mrs. Zawaski will serve as a resource to strengthen partnerships between home and school for parents. Mrs. Zawaski will help coordinate a new program for our students facing academic ineligibility. This afterschool program will provide students with structured academic support, homework assistance, organization, and study skills. She will collaborate with teachers and administration to identify students who may benefit from additional interventions.
Mrs. Zawaski will also serve as a primary contact for families seeking support, assist with school enrollment, registration, and prospective student tours.
We are excited to have her as our family and student service coordinator. She has been with SCA for many years and is a wealth of knowledge!
News and updates from our counselor!
We are so blessed to have Mrs. LaRocco on staff here at SCA! She provides support to teachers, students, and works in partnership with parents. She has been working hard on creating an environment where students feel supported and continuing to promote kindness and positivity both inside and outside of school.
SCA Music Ministry & Liturgy
Faith Formation--Religious Education
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Religious Education Sign up info here!
Men's Club
SCA Athletics
SAB
School Advisory Board
Family School Association
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Principal -- Ms. Kimberly Zerth
Website: https://www.scaoaklawn.org/home
SCA Address: 10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn IL 60453
Phone: (708) 425-5547
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